8Bit/Digi

The Games We Got to Play at GDC 2025

The 2025 Game Developers Conference was not just about understanding what’s new in the industry but also a chance to play some upcoming titles. During the week, I got to try some amazing titles that are out now or coming soon. This includes beta versions, a demo that provided a sample of the experience, and full builds of the overall game.

These are some of the games I got to check out during the 2025 Game Developers Conference. I have also included where I got to play the game.

Press Engine Media Event

Press Engine held an exclusive event, inviting media professionals to preview a selection of upcoming indie games.

Galactic Veil is an open-world adventure game inspired by Jet Force Gemini. Players take on the role of Veil, a drift trader who answers a distress call from the Lutra. The Lutra are a peaceful race whose planet is under siege by a hostile force known as the Insec. Speaking with Josh Mills, one of the developers, I was shown a good part of the world along with the combat system and gameplay mechanics. A key aspect of the gameplay is building trust with the Lutras by rescuing them and liberating parts of their world.

Reclamation is a Metroidvania platformer where the world and characters are sculpted entirely from real clay. Players take control of a former enemy creature and use its body and abilities to navigate the environment. To overcome puzzles or access specific areas, players must possess the right body for the situation.

The Expo Floor

These are the games I got to play on the expo floor at GDC.

Ai2U was back after a successful showcasing back in 2024. This is an escape room experience in which players will communicate with an NPC whose response is generated using Chat GPT. Players will type in their questions or commands to communicate with the character. They will respond based on how you treat them. Being polite will result in a friendly response. However, being rude or hostile results in an escalation of tension. I decided to once again attempt to escape from the clutches of Eddie, a catgirl who is obsessed with me. The objective is to find the key and escape. I attempted to navigate the apartment and talk her into interacting with me so that we could build a sense of trust. It was only when I asked about what was happening outside that she became hostile and murdered me. 

Retro Shooter is a video game accessory company that manufactures light gun controllers for the PC and modern consoles. The versions available range from standard light guns to ones based on the GunCon, the iconic controller bundled with the PlayStation 2 version of Time Crisis 2. During GDC, visitors could test the light guns by playing Grand Shooter, a rail shooter inspired by classic arcade titles like Time Crisis. The demo featured four playable stages, including one intense boss fight. Players battled waves of enemies while avoiding death or harming innocent civilians. Grand Shooter is slated to launch in Early Access at an unspecified future date.

Spirit X Strike is a 3D beat ’em up heavily inspired by Fist of the North Star. Players take on the role of Carter, inheritor of the Spirit Fist, as he roams a post-apocalyptic wasteland in search of his master. Its combat system is rooted in traditional fighting game mechanics but is adapted to handle multiple enemies in confined spaces. The game is set to launch sometime in 2025, but the demo is available on Steam.

JETRO Booth

The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) promotes mutual trade and investment between Japan and other countries. At GDC, JETRO highlighted games developed by Japanese studios and showcased several upcoming titles. Their presence aimed to boost global interest in Japan’s game industry and foster international partnerships.

Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Die Neue Saga is a mobile game adaptation of the iconic light novel and anime series. Players assume the role of either Yang Wen Li or Reinhard von Lohengramm, commanding their respective forces in battle. While the game is currently available in Japan, no North American release date has been announced. Because of this, one of the developers guided me through the demo during my playthrough.

Chrono Gear: Warden of Time is a Metroidvania where players take on the role of the VTuber, Ouro Kronii. When the demonic Alter Laplus shatters the Chrono Gear, it causes a disruption across the universe. It’s up to Ouro Kronii to recover the Golden Gears and restore peace to the world. Players will use the power of time to overcome challenges while also battling a variety of foes.

Gameplay Summit

These are the games I got to play during the Gameplay Summit on March 26th.

Dokkalfar: The Ballads of Vivi the Dark Elf is a Metroidvania style game where players take on the role of Vivi the Dark Elf. Players will explore dungeons and battle a variety of monsters and foes. At the same time, they will level up with experience while also finding unique gear that will help them along the way. No launch date has been set, but players could sign up for the play test.

This article is part of our coverage of the 2025 Game Developers Conference. If you attended the event, please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Disclaimer: GDC provided 8Bit/Digi with press passes for the event.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides insight into the gamer community of the San Francisco Bay Area.